Dallas Arboretum: A Family Friendly Summer Getaway

One of our family's favorite summertime getaways in North Texas is the Dallas Arboretum. Situated on the east shore of White Rock Lake, It is the perfect spot for a day trip with the kids. The Arboretum has a unique blend of giant native trees and rare imported species growing together with magnificent displays of flowering plants from around the world. The beautifully landscaped grounds include pools, streams, fountains, water walls and reflection ponds. Facilities include food services, such as the seasonal restaurants, and the year-round dining terrace. As a premier venue for weddings, many parties rent facilities for the ceremony and reception. There are numerous seasonal events and cultural activities, such as concerts, street musicians and art shows. We make full use of our annual membership, returning frequently year-round.

Our typical day at the Arboretum starts with packing a picnic lunch and arriving about 10 AM. We stock a cooler with plenty of cold drinks and often start our visit relaxing with a few munchy snacks in the shade. Then, we head off to Texas Town where the boys explore and play with other kids in the miniature rustic buildings of a re-created pioneer town. On the grounds are a covered wagon, a Native American tipi and a sod house. In the summer you can observe corn growing in a small plot and there is a vacant lot where people can try their hand at plowing and hoeing the soil which, for some reason, my boys find irresistible. They also enjoy the hands-on nature and craft activities provided by staff and volunteers at the pavilion there. While I supervise the kids and do some art sketches, my wife, Jennifer roams the garden paths shooting photos of the plant and animal life. The trees and flowers are labeled with common and scientific names, and many have fascinating, informative plaques with notes on the plant's properties and uses.

At about noon we regroup for our picnic along the edges of the grassy expanse adjacent the Palmer Fern Dell. There are usually several other families doing the same, and the children will play together on the lawn in games of tag and frisbee or do cartwheels and somersaults. To cool off periodically, the kids will nip over to the shady dell and luxuriate in the fine mist-spray of the fern irrigators.

After lunch we explore the 15 different gardens on the spacious grounds or re-visit favorite spots, like the VW van and "beetle car" completely covered in live flowers. Currently, the creative, kitschy "Ultimate Treehouses" exhibits are interesting and enjoyable, even though the housing is around the base of the trees and not actually up in the branches as you might expect. Occasionally, when there are few other visitors, we ride the little electric trams that operate along the main walkway. At busier times, precedence on the trams is given to the mobility impaired, which is a real convenience for the elderly and handicapped visitor.

After a good bit of strolling and visiting exhibits and activities, we head for the Toad Corners, where the boys frolic and cool off. Four giant-sized bronze toad sculptures spew 20 ft. water streams from their mouths toward a central array that jets water in a vertical display. We often bring swimsuits and towels and/or a change of clothes and let them get thoroughly soaked as they run in and out of the streams on the pebblestone circle between the toads and the array. Jennifer and I relax in the shade with our cold drinks.

After the cool-down we're generally ready to head for home after enjoying many hours of relaxing recreation. If you live in DFW, we highly recommend purchasing a membership for your family; used frequently the cost is minimal for quality experiences, activities and recreation.